Guest SamSung Posted January 30, 2005 Share Posted January 30, 2005 My wife has decided that she wants a bike. She's never ridden before. It's against my better judgement. But she insists so any suggestions for what type of bike I should get her? I don't think the streets will be safe ever again with her on them. UGG GGHHHH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admin Jaap Posted January 30, 2005 Share Posted January 30, 2005 Moto Guzzi Breva 750 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichMaund Posted January 31, 2005 Share Posted January 31, 2005 Suzuki 500 twin. Or better yet a Ninja 500. Better suspenion there. If you can find a early 80's Honda CM400/450 twin, those were outstanding bikes and easy to handle. Try to find a bike with light clutch pull. Most women don't have the grip strength men have. Or, if you want to go kind of crazy... Get her a Ural Retro Solo like I got. Super low seat height, easy handling, low effort clutching, low center of gravity and a good Brembo disk brake up front. The four speed is higher effort to shift than most Jap trannys, but it's not tough to shift. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
callison Posted January 31, 2005 Share Posted January 31, 2005 If you're completely insane and on the left coast, I have an 84 V65C that has to go before I move. All of the mechanical upgrades, Corbin seat and updated handlebar controls (Ducati type Italian generic) and a very reasonable price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bento Posted January 31, 2005 Share Posted January 31, 2005 a beat up old enduro 250. she's gonna drop it anyway. i did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldini Posted January 31, 2005 Share Posted January 31, 2005 Yeah, some sort of light dual purpose/trail bike & let her start off road. She'll learn loads more about machine control if she's not scared sh*tless of hitting tarmac or other vehicles... KB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrt Posted January 31, 2005 Share Posted January 31, 2005 Small dual-sport. I'd recommend between 125 and 350cc. Practice in the dirt if you can and tell not to be afraid to fall. Good luck, J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rktman1 Posted January 31, 2005 Share Posted January 31, 2005 I'd agree with the dual sports / dirt bike suggestion but these tend to have high saddles compared to most street bikes. It depends on how tall she is. I'd recommend a used Suzuki SV650 ($3000-$4000), a good light modern beginner bike - and a bike she won't grow out of soon (if at all). Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helicopterjim R.I.P. Posted January 31, 2005 Share Posted January 31, 2005 Moto Guzzi Breva 750 42206[/snapback] I couldn't have said it any better! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bruce Posted January 31, 2005 Share Posted January 31, 2005 I agree w/ the dual sport approach. The older ones were lower. There are some old XR200 around for cheap. Light, low power and they will full fill most of your wheelie fantasies. Easy to start if I recall. Also a heck of a lot of fun too. Two stroke Enduros tend to really come on the pipe at some point which is sure to scare the wits out of a new rider, even some older ones too. A mountain bike can teach you alot about braking and steering too. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_roethlisberger Posted January 31, 2005 Share Posted January 31, 2005 Well, first and foremost, IMHO... you want a used "pre wrecked" model ... that no one will feel bad about when it gets dropped(because it will). With that stress removed, she can concentrate on riding. My top picks: - Kawasaki EX250 or EX500 (cheap, lots of parts, and still a sporty ride) - Honda Hawk (harder to find, but good bike, short range can be an issue though) - Yamaha Seca II (easy to ride, air-cooled, a bit tallish, but a great all-rounder) The SV650 is a good bike, but as a beginner .... well, it really is quite a "performer". A lot of folks race these bikes for a reason, and although it's not technically out of bounds for a beginner, I would think twice about putting a new rider on one as opposed to one of the bikes mentioned above. But generally speaking, it is a great bike, better in many respects than any of the ones I listed above, especially as a second(long term) bike And BTW, unless you can find a well used and "pre-wrecked" Breva 750, I wouldn't put that at the top of my list, just because of cost alone. You want to spend less than $2000, and probably closer to $1000 on a beginner IMHO. al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_roethlisberger Posted January 31, 2005 Share Posted January 31, 2005 OH, and *first*.... enroll her in your local MC Safety Training Course.... most States should have them now, and you'll usually get a few extra benefits such as a reduced Insurance rate, and exemption from the practical(riding) portion of the license test. Call one of the local MC shops, or your local State Police. One or the other can usually give you info on any programs that you may have available. Typically they are a weekend deal, morning classes, afternoon riding and tests, perhaps with one weekday evening of classroom instruction as well. al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rktman1 Posted January 31, 2005 Share Posted January 31, 2005 OH, and *first*.... enroll her in your local MC Safety Training Course.... Yes! And use one of their loaner bikes (usually Honda 250 NightHawk or Buell Blast here in Tucson) so she can dump one of those and not her own bike. Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrt Posted January 31, 2005 Share Posted January 31, 2005 Yes! And use one of their loaner bikes MSF is an excellent idea. My wife took it and really liked it and she learned a lot. J Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vkerrigan Posted February 1, 2005 Share Posted February 1, 2005 I would agree w above and rktman1 in that sometimes you can lease from a dealer the 250 Honda's that the MSF uses for their classes. Since most folks are rarely satisfied in keeping a beginner bike, try and get out of the process as cheaply as possible. Good Luck & Happy Trails Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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